Germination and Post-Seminal Development of Mimosa L. (Fabaceae) in Diesel Oil-Contaminated Soil

Germination and post-seminal development are important stages for the establishment of plants and for determining their tolerance to diesel oil. Diesel-tolerant species can contribute to the recovery of contaminated areas, and leguminous plants are promising in the treatment of contaminated soil through nitrogen fixation. This study identified the effects of diesel oil-contaminated soil on the germination and seedlings of the leguminous species Mimosa bimucronata, M. flocculosa, and M. scabrella var. aspericarpa. The experiment comprised two treatments contaminated (4% concentration) and uncontaminated soil and was performed in a greenhouse for 90 days, with evaluations 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing. Germination was not affected, but most root and aerial system parameters were statistically lower in contaminated soil, indicating low initial development potential in soil contaminated with diesel oil. Moreover, the negative effects increased with higher exposure time to the contaminant.